Ben Stiller is stepping back into his shoes as the iconic character from "Happy Gilmore" for the highly anticipated sequel to Adam Sandler's 1996 sports comedy classic, titled "Happy Gilmore 2." This long-awaited follow-up, currently under production in New Jersey, boasts Netflix as its backing force. Joining Sandler and Stiller on the silver screen once again are familiar faces, including Christopher McDonald reprising his role as the fiery pro-golfer Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, the romantic interest of Sandler's character. Fresh faces introducing new vibes to the golf-centric universe of "Happy Gilmore 2" encompass comedian Nick Swardson, filmmaker Benny Safdie, renowned musician Bad Bunny, actress Margaret Qualley, and NFL star Travis Kelce.
Despite Variety's request for comment on Stiller's casting, Netflix remained tight-lipped. Kyle Newacheck is directing the sequel, with a script penned by Sandler and his frequent collaborator, Tim Herlihy. The original "Happy Gilmore," directed by Dennis Dugan, played a pivotal role in cementing Sandler's status as one of the era's biggest comedy stars, generating a staggering $40 million against a $12 million budget—alongside other hits like "Billy Madison," "The Wedding Singer," and "The Waterboy." In the first film, Sandler shone as Happy Gilmore, a hockey player battling anger management issues who discovers a talent for golf. He undertakes a paid tournament to save his grandmother's house from foreclosure, gaining a cult-like following for his unorthodox antics. In this sequel, Stiller reprises his role as Hal, the nursing home orderly who had previously exaggerated the treatment of Happy's grandmother in the retirement home. Paparazzi shots from the set, featuring Stiller's name tag, confirm his return.
As for the plot details of "Happy Gilmore 2," they remain shrouded in secrecy. However, Sandler offered a few intriguing hints during the summer. "The movie itself picks up from an older guy who played golf a long time ago," he teased on Kelce's "New Heights" podcast in August. "Something significant happens in his life, leaving him in a bit of a mess. And then we embark on a journey to get his life back on track."
